Hi everyone, first time user!
I am currently living in Japan and I am in search of an authentic samurai sword as a gift to someone close to me at home. I have looked up several websites in search of some but everyone seems to want you to pay for it and then you get it (which would be okay - but I still haven't seen it - so its a bit risky)
I was wondering whether or not someone might have be able to help me with some contact details to a swords smith / sword smiths where I can actually head down and see them with my own eyes and make my own judgement. I am currently living in the Aichi (Nagoya) prefecture but am willing to travel in order to get this sword.
Also as I am new to this area I really don't have a clue and don't want to be taken for a ride, is there any tricks of the trade that I will need to know in order to make sure that what I purchase is a real one and not a good immitation.
Thanks :D
Japanese sword
Hello D!
It is probably eyseer to get an old and autentic sword outside of japan.
There is a'lot of tricks (a'lot) if you get an autentic sword i think they have a'law of
some kind in Japan regarding swords and weapons. And i think you need a' permitt
for it that is if you even find one.
I would sugest that you take some kind of contakt with lokal authoretis and start
from there. they will tell you legaly what you can bring out of the country.
Then finding a'sword in Japan and not beeing ripped of, im not sure but i think that
the prices of sword in Japan is probably higher then in the rest of the world.
You would need an expert to bye a'good sword, try to find one and explaine your
perpose, you will not find a'better or good sword under 200 000 yen.
I dont think there is a'way to try to explaine on the net what you should look for
itś by far to complicated, other than it should be stunning and very well balanced to hold
not feel heavy in your hand, and it should have a'signature under the handle (at best)
no rust on the blade, and distinct lines, the top of it (kissaki) thoes lines should be perfekt
i mean really perfect, and there has to be a' visual temperline a long the cutting edge
It looks different on all sword, but it has a'yellow, white or bluish collor, like a flasch...
This is a'Djungle in all itś forms best of luck
I realy hope you find your sword.
Sencierly/Hans
Hi D, In Japan, please
Hi D,
In Japan, please contact Pierre Nadeau (his website - http://www.soulsmithing.com/EN/AcceuilEN.html). He will be quite willing to help in your search.
Also, there are two organizations in Japan, the NBTHK (http://www.touken.or.jp/english/english%20information.html) and NTHK (can't find a current URL for them). Either of these organizations may be able to provide you with help/advice.
As you are living in Japan, it would be frustrating to attempt to obtain a sword from outside the country. The sword market is as depressed there as anywhere, so prices should not be anymore of a concern. There will be more than enough selection (more likely, too much!) within your budget.
I would advise you to be patient. Learning about Japanese swords is not a quick field of study.
Once you have seen an authentic Japanese sword (visit some museums), you will not ever be fooled by an imitation.
Best of luck (although with preparation and information, luck is not required)
Steve
Thanks
Thanks Steve for sharing the wonderful resource for authentic Japanese swords and authentic samurai swords.
Statistically, there were
Statistically, there were around 1 1/2 million swords existing before World War II. Around 1/3 of them were over 2 feet in length (daito). At present, there are more samurai swords in the United Sates than there are in Japan. Japan has no more than 100,000 swords today. Around 250,000 to 350,000 swords has been brought into United States as war souvenirs by returning servicemen after the end of Pacific War during the occupation of Japan. Most of them are long sword (daito) which is formerly used by Japanese commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Around 70% of the long sword are in United States today. Swords of buke-zukuri type, neo-army (shin-gunto) type, proto-army type (kyu-gunto) type, police sabers, army parade sabers, navy types, ken and jindachi-zukuri types have been brought into United States.